Becvar, who joined USD in 2004 as Dean of Statewide Educational Services, served in a variety of capacities integral to the university community. In 2009, she was named Dean of the Graduate School and the Division of Continuing and Distance Education. Under her direction, USD grew its graduate enrollment while serving students more effectively. She and her staff also grew Continuing and Distance Education to an operation that has become central to USD’s mission, serving more than 3,000 off-campus and distance students each semester. In 2011, Becvar became an essential part of the Provost team, assuming the role of Senior Associate Provost and was the University’s Accreditation Liaison Officer to the Higher Learning Commission.

Her work with the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation began more than four years ago in planning what is now the Indian University of North America. This program, in collaboration with USD, has served students, especially Native American students, by offering the first semester of college for three years with a fourth year to begin in June. She will serve USD through June 21.

“Although I am proud that Laurie will assume such a critical role with an iconic South Dakota effort, USD is disappointed to see Laurie leave,” stated Chuck Staben, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at USD. “She has helped grow the curriculum and enrollment in the Division of Continuing and Distance Education and the Graduate School, and her ability to develop higher education opportunities for people beyond the classroom makes her a consummate educator. We wish her well in her new venture with the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation.”

Download a photograph of Becvar.

Press Contact
Hanna DeLange
Contact Email usdnews@usd.edu
Contact Website website

You May Also Like